DURHAM, N.C. – Duke women’s lacrosse head coach Kerstin Kimel welcomed the addition of 11 players to the Blue Devil program this fall, with 10 freshmen and one transfer student joining the squad for the 2014 campaign.

Check back to GoDuke.com throughout the coming months for profiles on each of the incoming Blue Devils, and be sure to follow the team all year on Twitter and Facebook.

Prior to Duke: Russell totaled 55 career goals at West Morris Mendham before missing her senior campaign due to injury. A two-time all-conference and all-county selection, she guided her team to the Morris County championship as a sophomore and the New Jersey Group III finals all four years. Russell also was a member of a squad that won four sectional titles and earned a top 10 ranking in the state and a spot in the national rankings each year, in addition to earning US Lacrosse Academic All-America recognition. She is joined at Duke this year by her twin sister, Devon.

When did you start playing lacrosse?PR: I picked up a lacrosse stick for the first time right before the high school season started my freshman year. My sister and I passed in the gym at school for the first time and couldn’t catch or throw to save our lives. It was really funny.

What is your favorite lacrosse memory?PR: Going into four overtimes with Moorestown in the state championship after being down by seven goals at halftime.

Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?PR: My pre-game music playlist needs to be on point!

What are your goals for your collegiate career?PR: As a team, to win a national championship and personally, to become the best player I can be.

Who has had the biggest impact on your life and why?PR: My older brother Ethan. Growing up with a brother with autism has made me a much more patient and understanding person. At a young age I learned there is something special about those who are different.

Quick Hitters:Favorite athlete: Adrian PetersonHobbies: Paddle boarding at the beachFavorite movie: LawlessFavorite TV show: Game of ThronesFavorite book: The ShackFavorite musician: Frank Ocean and Jack JohnsonIf you were to play another sport, what would it be? SoccerFun fact: I love to travel – last summer I did a service trip in ThailandBest advice you’ve received: “You have to ask yourself if what you’re doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow.”Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Pursuing my career while still being able to travel and start a family.

To be a part of the Duke women’s lacrosse program is … a challenge, an opportunity and an honor.